Municipal Elections 2013: One week period upcoming to file declaration of candidacy

SOUTHERN UTAH – Those considering a run for office in Utah’s cities and towns have about two weeks to make that critical decision. The filing period for declaration of candidacy in municipal elections runs from June 1-7 this year, which is a shortened time frame from previous law.

The new one-week filing period for would-be candidates was effected by amendments to the state statute passed through Utah House Bill 403 in the 2013 General Session.

Other notable amendments to election law effected by H.B. 403 include:

Municipal primary elections have been moved from September to August, specifically Aug. 13 this year, though they may not be held in all municipalities depending on the number of candidates who file and each municipality’s policy. If the number of candidates for a particular office does not exceed twice the number of persons needed to fill that office, the municipality may forego the municipal primary and the candidates are considered nominated.

Write-in candidates for the general election must declare candidacy 60 days before the election, i.e. by Sept. 6 this year. No write-ins are permitted for the primary election.

This election season, each Utah municipality under a five-member city council form of government will have its mayor’s position and two council seats open for election.

General elections will be held Nov. 5.

According to Utah Code, an individual may become a candidate for municipal office if they are a citizen of the United States, registered voter and a resident of the municipality in which they intend to run for office for at least 12 months prior to filing; additional restrictions apply and would-be candidates should review the statute and any additional requirements imposed by the municipality.

The following Southern Utah cities and towns are holding elections this year. More information on each municipality’s filing process and requirements can be found by following its link.

Election law can be both complex and simple, Justin Lee, deputy director of elections with the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s office, said. He has recently spent time visiting clerks and recorders in six different municipalities throughout the state, including Washington City last week, training and preparing them for the upcoming municipal elections.

The decision to become involved in municipal politics is one with the potential to make a lasting impact on an individual, family and community. A successful candidate, and eventual officeholder, is one with a focus and outlook to benefit the public.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.

Image by Brett Barrett, St. George News

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About the Author

Alexa Verdugo Morgan began her journalism career in 2009, working for various newspapers, magazines and online publications, including the Mainstreet Business Journal of Southern Utah and Southern Utah Youth Sports Magazine, before joining the STGnews team in October 2011. She is also the author of "The Cave of Souls," a young adult adventure/science fiction/fantasy novel. In her spare time, she enjoys music, photography, tennis, her dog and four guinea pigs. She lives in Ivins.